Your Stage.
Your Sound.
Your Audience.
Join Los Angeles' most sophisticated live music venue. Perform for engaged audiences, build your following, and get paid to do what you love.
Why Perform at Carnys?
More than just a gig—it's a platform to showcase your talent, connect with fans, and grow your career.
Prime Encino Location
Perform in the heart of Ventura Boulevard with high visibility and foot traffic from Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, and beyond.
Engaged Audiences
Our guests come specifically for live entertainment. They appreciate and support performers, creating an electric atmosphere.
Professional Sound System
State-of-the-art PA, lighting, and acoustics. Our in-house sound engineer ensures you sound your absolute best.
Marketing Exposure
Featured on our website, social media (12K+ followers), email newsletters, and event listings. Build your fanbase with us.
Complimentary Dining
Enjoy a meal from our Mediterranean menu before or after your performance. Full hookah lounge access included.
Recurring Opportunities
Outstanding performers become part of our regular rotation with monthly or weekly gigs guaranteed.
Competitive Compensation
Fair payment, merchandise sales opportunities, and tip jar. We value our performers and compensate accordingly.
Private Event Bookings
Get hired for private parties, corporate events, and celebrations hosted at Carnys with additional income potential.
Who We're Looking For
From jazz ensembles to fire dancers, we celebrate diverse talent. Click any category to learn more.
Jazz Bands & Ensembles
Traditional jazz, smooth jazz, fusion, bebop, and contemporary jazz groups. Perfect for our sophisticated lounge atmosphere.
Solo Vocalists
Singers with backing tracks, acoustic accompaniment, or a cappella. R&B, soul, pop, jazz standards, and world music.
Acoustic Solo Artists
Guitar, piano, oud, violin, and other acoustic instrumentalists. Creates intimate ambiance perfect for dining.
DJs & Electronic Music
House, lounge, world music, hip-hop, and electronic DJs for our late-night crowd. Must match our upscale vibe.
World & Cultural Music
Middle Eastern, Persian, Armenian, Mediterranean, Latin, and global music ensembles that complement our cultural atmosphere.
Blues & Rock Artists
Blues bands, rock trios, funk groups, and soul ensembles for our weekend high-energy nights.
Classical Musicians
String quartets, classical pianists, chamber groups, and orchestral musicians for special events and Sunday brunches.
Stand-Up Comedians
Clean, sophisticated comedy acts for our comedy nights. Must be appropriate for diverse dining audiences.
Specialty & Variety Acts
Magicians, mentalists, fire performers, aerialists, and unique entertainment perfect for private events.
Tribute & Cover Bands
High-quality tribute acts and cover bands performing popular hits from various decades and genres.
Latin & Salsa Bands
Salsa, bachata, cumbia, and Latin jazz groups that get our guests dancing and celebrating.
Ambient & Lounge Music
Downtempo, chill-out, and atmospheric music perfect for hookah lounge and late-night vibes.
Weekly Performance Schedule
Different vibes for different nights. Find where your act fits best.
Thursday
Smooth jazz, R&B, and soul to kick off the weekend vibes
Friday
Full bands, high energy, rock, funk, Latin, or world music
Saturday
DJs, dance music, or tribute/cover bands for packed crowds
Sunday
Acoustic sets, classical, ambient for relaxed Sunday vibes
Monday
Showcase your talent, try new material, build your following
Special Events
Birthdays, corporate events, holidays - premium pay rates
Hear From Our Artists
Real performers. Real experiences. Real success.
"Carnys has become our monthly home base. The crowd is incredibly receptive, the sound is top-notch, and the staff treats us like family. We sell more merch here than anywhere else in LA."
"I've performed at dozens of venues across California, but Carnys stands out. The acoustics are perfect, the atmosphere is sophisticated, and they genuinely care about showcasing artists. Highly recommended!"
"As a DJ, you dream of venues like this - great sound system, beautiful crowd, and management that understands electronic music. I've built my LA following largely through my monthly residency here."
Ready to Perform?
Complete the form below and we'll review your application within 5-7 days.
Looking for a Steady Position?
Beyond performance opportunities, we're hiring talented individuals for full-time positions across our kitchen, bar, and front-of-house teams. Competitive pay, benefits, and room to grow.
Explore Career OpportunitiesFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about performing at Carnys.
How do I apply to perform at Carnys?
How do I apply to perform at Carnys?
Do I need to audition in person?
Do I need to audition in person?
What equipment do you provide?
What equipment do you provide?
How much do performers get paid?
How much do performers get paid?
Can I sell merchandise?
Can I sell merchandise?
What nights are available for performers?
What nights are available for performers?
Do you host open mic nights?
Do you host open mic nights?
Can I bring my own sound engineer?
Can I bring my own sound engineer?
What is the venue capacity and stage size?
What is the venue capacity and stage size?
Do you provide accommodation for touring artists?
Do you provide accommodation for touring artists?
Still Have Questions?
Our entertainment coordinator is here to help. Give us a call or visit us in person during business hours.
Follow us to see our current performers and upcoming shows